Drink-drive warning for football fans

With Euro 2016 entering its second week, safety experts are urging fans to think before they drink - especially if they plan to drive the morning after consuming alcohol.

‘Morning after’ breath tests lead to 17 per cent of the drink-driving convictions, and police departments across the UK have already warned drivers to expect an increase in routine stop checks and roadside testing throughout the tournament.

Suzannah Robin of AlcoDigital works with dozens of local authorities and councils helping them to address their alcohol and drug testing requirements, and said: “Many people are unaware that they may still be unfit to drive the morning after consuming alcohol.

“Any alcohol in your system will affect your ability to operate a vehicle safely – in fact you are three times more likely to suffer an accident after just one drink - so we would urge drivers to exercise caution before getting behind the wheel if they have been out drinking the night before.”

For drivers who think they may be safe to drive after they’ve ‘slept it off’, Suzannah warns: “In the same way that everyone loses weight at different rates, we all process alcohol differently so if you have been drinking say four or five pints of beer or consumed a bottle of wine during the evening you may not be safe to drive the following morning, even if you think you feel OK.”

Fans intending to drive in France during the tournament are also reminded that French law requires drivers to carry an NF approved breathalyzer in their vehicle at all times.